Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Overview

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a rare and severe disease caused by a virus. It affects humans, horses, and birds, leading to brain inflammation in humans. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, confusion, and severe cases that can cause seizures or coma. EEE is most common in wetlands and coastal areas. While there is no cure or human vaccine, prevention includes avoiding mosquito bites and vaccinating animals like horses.

What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)?

Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, is a rare and fatal mosquito-borne disease that infects humans and horses. It spreads to humans through bites from an infected mosquito, causing inflammation (encephalitis) in the brain. It can slow down or damage the function of the brain and nerves. The disease is more common around swamps, coastal areas and bodies of freshwater, peaking in summer months or through early fall.

Types of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

There are no such types of Eastern Equine Encephalitis. However, four different lineages of the virus can result in the development of EEE:

Group I: Consists of an epidemic virus in the Caribbean and North America, known to commonly infect humans.

Group IIA, IIB and III: Found in Central and South America, it causes illness in horses, birds and donkeys.

Symptoms of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

EEE often does not show any symptoms until 4 - 10 days after getting bitten by an infected mosquito. However, the common symptoms that an individual can experience are chills, high fever, joint pain and muscle pain.

It can cause a severe infection leading to brain inflammation, which may also show symptoms such as confusion, drowsiness, diarrhoea, headache, fever as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit, vomiting and appetite loss. Symptoms of severe EEE may feel and look the same as the flu.

Causes of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Arbovirus is found in the Caribbean and North America which leads to the development of EEE. The infection is common in Central, south and North America, Caribbean islands, the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Ocean coastline. It spreads through the bite of infected mosquitoes, including Culex, Aedes, and Coquillettidia, which feed on mammals and birds.

This infection can also be caused by a closely related virus named Madariaga virus, which is one of the major reasons for an infection widespread in horses in South and Central America. These viruses, when spread to humans, attack their immune system, which further leads to inflammation in the brain.

Individuals working in wetlands, woods, swamps, or areas where mosquitoes live and breed are at risk of developing the infection. The risk is also inflated for individuals spending a lot of time outdoors at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Other risk factors include being an adult older than 50 and children younger than 15.

Diagnosis of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

A healthcare provider initially conducts a physical exam where they learn about the infected individual's symptoms or medical history. They may conduct a blood test to help rule out conditions with the same symptoms. A doctor may also prescribe testing of cerebrospinal fluid samples to examine antibodies that one's body produces as a response to a virus attack.

Treatment for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

EEE can not be cured, however, a professional may recommend a combination of treatment plans to help an individual manage mild symptoms. These include drinking fluids to prevent dehydration, getting adequate rest, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Severe symptoms may require immediate hospital care or a healthcare expert to monitor how the body responds to the virus attack.

A brain surgery (craniotomy) may be required if brain inflammation results in a pressure buildup against the skull, helping to relieve the pressure. Other treatment plans may include immunoglobulin therapy, intravenous fluids and respiratory support.

Prevention of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

To avoid the development of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, it is essential to protect oneself from mosquito bite. One can protect themselves from infected mosquito bites by following these tips:

• Wear clothes covering the arms and legs or areas that can be bitten.
• Use insect repellents if working or spending time outside.
• Avoid spending time outdoors at dusk, dawn or times when mosquitoes are active.
• Empty standing water from birdbaths, sprinkling cans, trash containers, pots or buckets, and flower pots to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.
• Use screens or mosquito nets for windows and doors.

Myths and Facts Related to Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

The myths and supporting facts related to Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are outlined below:

Myth 1: One can catch EEE from an infected person

Fact: EEE is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that carries the virus. It does not transmit directly from one person to another.

Myth 2: There is an EEE vaccine to prevent the disease

Fact: There is no vaccine available for humans currently that will help prevent the disease. However, taking certain safety measures can help with protection from mosquito bites.

Myth 3: An infected person will notice symptoms after being bitten

Fact: Not everyone who is infected notices symptoms until 4 to 10 days after the bite. The symptoms are often mild or hidden.